News Releases

April 20, 2010
For Immediate Release
For additional information: 
Barbara Kerr, APR
Executive Director of
Communications and Marketing
Telephone: 360-992-2921
Email: bkerr@clark.edu

 

Career Days at Clark College:
The Next Step for Job Search and Career Advice

A multi-day event for students and the job seeking community 
will be held at the college from May 4-6

 

VANCOUVER, Wash. – In response to the changing economic trends and the needs of employers, Clark College will host Career Days 2010 on May 4-6 at the college’s main campus.  Career Days will combine the most successful elements of the former Pathways Career Information and Job Fair in a multi-day format.  

Clark College President Robert K. Knight said, “As one of the largest community colleges in Washington state, we feel a special responsibility to reach out to students and the community during these tough economic times.  We want to support them with job search skills, career preparation and connections to area industry leaders – knowing that a recovery will gain traction and jobs will start to reappear.”   Knight noted, “Our hope is that hosting the event at the college will allow large numbers of students to participate – as well as members of our community.”

All events are free to students and members of the community.  No registration is required.   Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.  Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.


Schedule of Events

Day 1 – May 4, 2010 – Learning the Basics

The first day of the event will feature a variety of workshops to sharpen job-seeking tools.  Topics will include, job search tools, resume building, interview techniques, career exploration and networking.  Workshops will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Day 2 – May 5, 2010 – Skill Building

On the second day of the event, students and jobseekers will learn how to preparing for a successful career search.  Offerings will include resume critiques, practice interviews, a best practices workshop, and a networking workshop.

Day 3 – May 6, 2010 – Networking

On the final day of the event, local industry leaders will share information and trends with students and job seekers through industry panels and networking.

Complete information about the event – including times and locations of the various events -- is available at www.clark.edu/cc/careerdays.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:  The current rundown is as follows.  As noted, updated listings for Career Days are available at www.clark.edu/cc/careerdays

LEARNING THE BASICS -- Tuesday, May 4, 2010

A variety of workshops to sharpen your job seeking tools 

Job Search Tools Workshop

10-11 a.m.                       
Gaiser Hall (GHL) Room 213 
Learn how to identify and develop the components of a successful job search campaign.  Focus on organizing and planning, locating resources and opportunities and understanding the value of networking and marketing yourself. 

Resume Building Workshop

10 -11 a.m.                      
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258B

Learn how to market your education, skills and experiences effectively.  Basic components of a resume, formatting strategies and understanding the importance of tailoring your resume to a particular position will be covered.

Career Exploration

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.        
Gaiser Hall (GHL 108 – the Clark College Career Center)

Presenters from the Clark’s Career Center, Counseling and Advising will guide you through an interactive workshop.  You’ll learn about tools and resources to start exploring careers, decide on a career pathway and determine your educational goals.

Interview Techniques Workshop

11 a.m. – Noon             
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258C
The interview is a critical step in the job search process.  In this workshop you will gain tips for successful interviewing that will leave employers impressed! Learn how to prepare for an interview, anticipate questions you’ll be asked and how to follow up after an interview. 

Networking Workshop

Noon–1 p.m.                
Penguin Union Building (PUB)  Room 258C 

Strengthen your networking skills.  Gain information designed to help build alliances and develop relationships.  Explore the value of networking and how to make your conversations count.  Learn conversation starters, tips for staying connected and being a great contact for others.

Resume Building Workshop

1-2 p.m.                           
Gaiser Hall (GHL) Room 213 

Learn how to market your education, skills and experiences effectively.  Basic components of a resume, formatting strategies and understanding the importance of tailoring your resume to a particular position will be covered.

Interview Techniques Workshop

2-3 p.m.                           
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258B

The interview is a critical step in the job search process.  In this workshop you will gain tips for successful interviewing that will leave employers impressed! Learn how to prepare for an interview, anticipate questions you’ll be asked and how to follow up after an interview. 

Career Fair Best Practices

2-3 p.m.                           
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258C 

Learn how to leverage your opportunities and maximize your time at career and job fairs.  Tips for preparing materials and engaging potential employers will be covered.

SKILL BUILDING – Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Preparing for a successful career search

Resume Critiques

10 a.m.–3 p.m.             
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258C
Bring a hard copy of your resume and receive a one-on-one, personalized critique from a trained professional.  Learn how to market your skills and experience effectively and how to make your resume stand out from the competition.  

Practice Interview

10 a.m.–3 p.m.             
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258B 

A practice interview is one of the best ways to prepare for an actual interview.  Learn what you might expected in a real interview, how to answer difficult questions, and to improve your presentation.  Receive constructive feedback on your interviewing skills and suggestions for what you can do to stand out from the competition.

Networking Workshop

10 11 a.m.                       
Gaiser Hall (GHL) Room 213  
Strengthen your networking skills.  Gain information designed to help build alliances and develop relationships.  Explore the value of networking and how to make your conversations count.  Learn conversation starters, tips for staying connected and being a great contact for others.

Career Fair Best Practices Workshop

Noon–1 p.m.                  
Gaiser Hall (GHL) Room 213

Learn how to leverage your opportunities and maximize your time at career and job fairs.  Tips for preparing materials and engaging potential employers will be covered. 

NETWORKING  -- Thursday, May 6, 2010 
Local industry leaders share information and trends 
with students and jobseekers 

Industry Speaker Panels

10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.      
Penguin Student Lounge (Penguin Union Building Room 161) 
Get employers’ perspectives about current trends and opportunities in the working world.  Panelists from local companies will describe careers in their industries, what they look for in candidates and potential hiring opportunities. Each 90-minute session ends with question and answer opportunities

Participating Employers (to date):

10:00  a.m. -- STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) 
This session will feature employers in STEM-related fields. 
Noon -- Variety:  Participants include the City of Vancouver 

2:00 p.m.  -- Business:  Participants include the Mass Mutual of Oregon Financial Services Group

Industry Trends & Networking

10 a.m.–2 p.m.             
Gaiser Student Center 
Community business leaders will discuss industry trends, provide labor market information, and offer guidance in career pathways exploration and education, training and knowledge of the future workforce.

Participating Employers (to date):